Italy sorts boats by length, and the length decides how much paperwork the sale needs. A small boat may change hands with little more than an invoice. A registered boat needs a notarised deed and goes through the national register.
Natante, imbarcazione, nave
Arnone & Sicomo's guide to boat registration in Italy gives three categories:
| Category | Hull length | Registration |
|---|---|---|
| Natante, pleasure boat | 10 m or less | Discretionary |
| Imbarcazione, pleasure vessel | Over 10 m to 24 m | Mandatory |
| Nave da diporto, pleasure ship | Over 24 m | Mandatory |
The deed and the documents
The same lawyers' guide to transfers says a bill of sale is only valid when signed by the owner with the signature authenticated by a notary, and that a 10% payment on account at signing is usual, with the balance on delivery.
For registration, the title of ownership is a public deed or an authenticated private deed. The other documents include the sales invoice, the engine power declaration or type-approval certificate, the EC declaration of conformity and the owner's certificate of citizenship and residence. Foreign owners can register by electing domicile in Italy.
The register and the STED
Registration now runs through a central digital system: the archive of pleasure craft (ATCN) and the telematic counter (STED). The navigation licence is issued within 20 days of the request, per Arnone & Sicomo. Barche a Motore describes the STED's 37-page procedural guide. Agree who will do the filing before you sign.
The safety certificate
A registered boat carries a safety certificate, renewed every five years through a periodic visit. Check its date: an expired certificate means a visit before the boat can be used. Equipment by distance from the coast is in our Italy safety equipment page.
The survey
The safety visit checks compliance. A pre-purchase survey checks condition and value, and gives you the findings and costs to negotiate with. Match the survey to the boat: out of the water for the hull and underwater gear, and a sea trial for the engines.
See also how to buy a yacht and becoming a marine surveyor in Italy.